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Oil Painters of AmericaDedicated to the Preservation of Representational XHIBITIONAADIVERSITYDIVERSITY TIESJan Peng Wang OPAM won the GoldMedal in the Master Signature DivisionJan Peng WangOPAM Smoke”won the Goldfor “PlateauMedal in the Master Signature Divisionfor “Plateau Smoke”Those attending this year’s NationalShow and Convention were treatedThosethisofyear’sNationalto a attendingwide varietyevents,the mostShowand Conventionwereprominentof which wasthetreatedexhibito ationwidevarietyof f thiswhichwasfeaturingthe exhibiArt hostedshow,overtion245itself.EiselebyGalleryof Finepaintingsthe finestrepreArtsentationalhosted this artistsshow, featuringoverin the United245Statespaintingsby the Paintingsfinest repreand Canada.weresentationalin thethroughoutUnitedattractivelyartistsdisplayedthe andmulti-level,OhioStatesCanada. Mariemont,Paintings weregallery, makingit a orofAwardsWilliamWhitathe multi-level, Mariemont, Ohioker OPAMto decidewhich shouldgallery,makingit a difficulttaskreceiverecognition.for Juror of Awards William Whita-ker OPAM to decide which shouldActivitiesbegan Wednesday afterreceiverecognition.noon when artists were offered theActivities began Wednesday afternoon when artists were offered theopportunity to paint anywhereopportunityto paint anywherein the Cincinnati area, inside orinout,the Cincinnatiarea, insideorand participatein theout,andparticipateinthe“Beautiful Ohio” Wet �Thursdaycompetition.Thursdayofferedartists a more formal setting forartistsmoreformaltosettingforthose awhowantedpaint inthosepaint indoors whoat thewantedhistorictoCincinnatidoorsat the historicCincinnatiArt Club.Here owermodelsandavailableflower to arrangements werebe capmentsavailableThroughoutto be captured wereon canvas.the dayA rt Magaturedon Southwestcanvas. Throughoutzinedaytreatedartists Atorta MagaPamtheSouthwestperedtreatedPaint Out,beginningwithzineartiststo a Pamacontinentalbreakfast.Afterpered Paint Out, beginning withduringthe nchwasservedin apainting during themorningtentoutside,withclassichours, lunch was served rockin aguitarmusic inthe classicbackground.tentoutside,withrockAnd forthoseinwhothe needguitarmusicthe feltbackground.for further relaxation a masAndfor those who felt the needseuse was available for a brief,for further relaxation a masseuse was available for a brief,CONTENTSbut soothing, massage before returning tobut soothing, massage before returning topainting for a few more hours.painting for a few more hours.On Thursday afternoon Southwest A rtOn ThursdaySouthwestMagazine,whoseafternoonparent companyF&WA rtMagazine,whoseparentcompanyF&WMedia is based in Cincinnati, welcomedMediaisbasedinCincinnati,welcomedOPA members and guests to a receptionmembersand guestsa receptionatOPAthe natiwithappetizers,music and the opportunity to unwindformusicandtheopportunitytounwindforthe day.the day.Friday morning started with the doorsopeningto the startedexhibitors’room.Friday morningwith thedoorsThroughoutthe conventionvisitors wereopening tothe exhibitors’room.welcomedbythetheconventionmany ponsoredtheir ownwelcomed by the many exhibitorswhodrawingexhibitors’gift theirbasket,attended forandanwhosponsoredownfilledwithfora samplingof their giftproducts.drawingan akerfilled with a sampling of their products.OPAMgave ofa Awardsdemonstration,Later, s an showingartist.OPAM gave a demonstration,Working from a pencil sketch he had prehis extraordinary skills as an artist.viously made, Whitaker created an inspirWorkingfrompencil gunfightersketch he inhad preingpaintingof a afrontierviously made, Whitaker created an inspiring painting of a frontier gunfighter inCONTENTS26th National Show . . . . . . . . . . . .1Natl.NationalJuror of Awards726thShow . .Statement. . . . . . . . . .1Meet the National Winners . . . . . . 9Natl. Juror of Awards Statement . . 7Wet Paint Juror’s Statement. . . . . 12Meet the National Winners . . . . . . 9Meet the Wet Paint Winners . . . . .13Wet Paint Juror’s Statement. . . . . 12Online Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Meet the Wet Paint Winners . . . . .13Notes From Your Board . . . . . . . . 18Online Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Painting Our Future . . . . . . . . . . . 18Notes From Your Board . . . . . . . . 18Dates to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . .19Painting Our Future . . . . . . . . . . . 18Dates to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . .19The Gold Medal in theAssociate and Signature Divisionwas awarded to Jeanya CharlesTheGoldMedalin thefor“TheLittleSister”Associate and Signature Divisionwas awarded to Jeanya Charlesfor “The Little Sister” 111
National Exhibition con’t.just a few hours while keepingthe audience informed on hisstyle and technique. After lunch,Johanna Harmon OPA presenteda demonstration on painting aportrait. Harmon explained howshe creates a painting, spendingtime describing how she preparesfor the work and ending with abeautiful likeness of the model.The final presentation of Fridaywas given by OPA member David Mueller, who spoke on“Sophisticated Fundamentals”,what he has learned, through hisnumerous experiences, to makehim the accomplished artist thathe is today.The Opening Reception of theexhibition was held Friday evening at the Eisele Gallery of FineArt, in the picturesque town ofMariemont. Doug Eisele and hisstaff worked hard to create apleasant flow of subject matterthroughout the gallery, makingfor a very inviting atmosphere asguests sipped refreshments andate appetizers during the gala event.Following the opening reception theawards and recognition ceremony tookplace at nearby Mariemont High School.Recently accepted Signature and MasterSignature members were announced atthis time and those present received pins,acknowledging their new status. Rafflebasket winners’ names were also drawnat this time.All of this lead up to the most anticipated part of the evening – the announcement of the award winners. The GoldMedal in the Master Signature Divisionwas awarded to Jan Peng Wang OPAMfor “Plateau Smoke” and the Gold Medal in the Associate and Signature Division was awarded to Jeanya Charles for“The Little Sister”. These paintings, aswell as so many others, deserved therecognition they received.Saturday morning started with abreakfast presentation, hosted byBlick/Utrecht, presented by resident artist Joe Gyurcsak. Gyurcsakspoke on the history of impressionism and how it became popular inthe world of art. As in past years,this breakfast presentation was agreat way to start the day. Gueststhen watched a group demo, featuring the varying painting techniquesand styles of Jane Hunt, John P.Lasater IV, David Mueller andMaryBeth Karaus OPA.Susan Abma interviewed thisyear’s Distinguished Artist, MasterSignature member Ned Mueller onSaturday afternoon. Mueller spokeof his artistic background as wellas relating insights into his vastknowledge of creating an imaginative work of art.FollowingMueller’s interview, a panel discussion, moderated by Suzie BakerOPA, was presented. John Michael Carter OPAM, Johanna Harmon OPA, Jane Hunt, John P. Lasater IV and Ned Mueller OPAMimparted opinions and perceptionson how to become a successful artist.“Boy” painted by David Graywon the Bronze Medalin the Associate and Signature DivisionThe Silver Medal in the Associateand Signature Division was awarded to Ardith A. Starostka for“Little Bird”2Lynn Wade won theSeascape Award of Excellencefor “Places to Go”The Board of Directors’Award of Excellencewas given to Casey Childsfor “Embrace”2
The Silver Medal in theMaster Signature Division was awardedto Sherrie McGraw OPAM for“On the Night of the Night Fires”Christopher Zhang OPAM won theBronze Medal in the Master SignatureDivision for “Old Man Smoking Pipe”National Exhibition con’t.Some personal stories helped theaudience relate to the life of an artistand made for an insightful and entertaining discussion.Saturday evening began with thepresentation of awards for the“Beautiful Ohio” wet paint competition. Entries included portraits andstill lifes painted on Thursday at theCincinnati Art Club, as well asscenes from around the Cincinnatiarea. Juror of Awards Roger DaleBrown OPA awarded Kurt AndersonOPA the Best in Show in the StudioDivision for “Peonies in a GlassVase” and the Best in Show in thePlein Air Division to Mostafa Keyhani OPA for “Roebling Bridge”.But the evening was not finishedyet. A merican A rt Collector’s closing party was held at the nostalgicAmerican Sign Museum, whichbrought back fond memories tomany of the attendees who recollected some of the signs from theirchildhood. Dinner was followed bydancing and it took a long time togather those riding the bus back tothe hotel – no one wanted to leave.Sunday morning began with the Annual Business meeting, open to allcurrent OPA members. The financialreport was given by treasurer, KurtAnderson OPA, and was followed bya review of what is currently in placeand what to look forward to in thefuture of OPA. Following the meeting a delightful presentation was given by renowned maritime artist JohnStobart. His wit and wisdom enraptured all. His story was truly inspiring to those who have become artistsand who know they may look for-“Pueblo Man with Eagle Feather” byDavid Leffel OPAM won theOutstanding Composition andTechnique Award in theMaster Signature Divisionward to many years of paintingahead, if Mr. Stobart may be used asan example. After Stobart’s presentation a one-on-one critique sessionwas held for artists who wanted apersonal review of their work bysome of OPA’s Master and Signaturemembers.The following is a list of the awardrecipients for the 2017 National Exhibition and Convention.ASSOCIATE &SIGNATURE DIVISIONGold Medal: Jeanya Charles for“The Little Sister” - funded by OPASilver Medal: Ardith A. Starostkafor “Little Bird” - funded byAmerican Art Collector MagazineBronze Medal: David Gray for“Boy” - funded by Plein A ir MagazineThe Best Signature Award of Excellence was given to Pauline Roche OPAfor “Taking Notes”Board of Directors’ Award of Excellence:Casey Childs for“Embrace” - funded by OPA Boardof Directors, Artwork Archive andRevelite Fine Art Lighting33
Most Original Award of Excellence: Terry Strickland for“It’s a Man’s World” - fundedby Blick Art MaterialsMost Original Honorable Mention: J. Ken Spencer OPA for“Intuition” - funded by BlueRidge Oils and SourceTek ArtSupplyThe Best Associate Award of Excellencewas given to Justin Kunzfor “Days of Purification”National Exhibition con’t.Best Signature Award of Excellence: Pauline Roche OPA for“Taking Notes” - funded by FASOBest Associate Award of Excellence:Justin Kunz for “Days of Purification” - funded by Cheap Joe’s ArtStuffBest Associate Honorable Mention:Eric K. Johnson for “Kip with Cigarette” - funded by Revelite and Artwork ArchiveOutstandingCompositionandTechnique Award of Excellence: NiZhu for “The Light” - funded byArtwork Archive and GrumbacherPresidents’ Award of Excellence: Junn Roca OPA for“Oaks, Poppies and Lupines” funded by past presidents ZhiweiTu OPAM and Betty SchmidtArt Renewal Center RealismAward of Excellence: MarySauer for “A Little Bit of Everything” - funded by Art Renewal CenterRealism Honorable Mention:Mike Wise OPA for “DelicateBalance” - funded by Trekell ArtSupply and MasterPakTed Goerschner OPAM Memorial Impressionist Award of Excellence: Jason J. Sacran for“Jacob’s Ladder” - funded bythe Friends of Ted GoerschnerOPAMImpressionist Honorable Mention: MaryBeth Karaus OPAfor “Fragile Morning” - fundedby Liliedahl Video Productions,Jack Richeson & Co, and MasterPak“The Light” by Ni Zhu won theOutstanding Composition and TechniqueAward of ExcellenceJohn August Dietrich MemorialFigurative Award of Excellence:Meadow Gist OPA for “A Storm isComing” - funded by RayMar ArtFigurative Honorable Mention:Ula Movchan for “Henry” - fundedWilliamsburg Handmade Oil Colorsand Masterworks FramesAlden Bryan Memorial LandscapeAward of Excellence: Joshua Clarefor “Ditch Bank” - funded byAlden and Mary Bryan Arts Fundand the Vermont Community FoundationLandscape Honorable Mention:CindyBaronOPAfor“Promising” - funded by LiliedahlVideo Productions, Rosemary & Co.Artists Brushes and ArtFramesAnimal Award of Excellence:Mostafa Keyhni OPA for “Redbacked Fairywren” - funded byArtwork Archive and M. Graham& Co.Terry Strickland won theMost Original Award of Excellencefor “It’s a Man’s World”4Animal Honorable Mention:William A. Suys, Jr. OPA for“Golden Light Longhorn” funded by Trekell Art Supply andAirfloat SystemsThe Presidents’ Award of Excellencewas given to Junn Roca OPAfor “Oaks, Poppies and Lupines”4
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Still Life Honorable Mention:Mark J. Farina OPA for “Crock& Pears” - funded by Masterworks Frames and Bella MuseProductionsNeil Patterson OPAM Award ofExcellence: Christina C. Kuofor “Alluring” - funded by PastPresident Neil Patterson OPAMCraig Tennant OPAM won theImpressionist Award of Excellencefor “Spring Jam”National Exhibition con’t.Portraiture Award of Excellence:Johanna Harmon OPA for “Cari” funded by Larson-Juhl and MichaelHarding Handmade Oil ColoursPortraiture Honorable Mention: Susan Hong-Sammons for “the Graduate” - funded by Holbein Artist Materials, Ampersand Art Supply and PlazaArtist Materials & Picture FramingSeascape Award of Excellence: LynnWade for “Places to Go” - funded byJFM Enterprises and Robin ImagingSeascape Honorable Mention: DonaldW. Demers for “Acadian Surf” funded by Williamsburg Handmade OilColors and SourceTek Art SupplyStill Life Award of Excellence: Lindsay Goodwin for “Belle Epoque Paris” - funded by Savoir-FaireMembers’ Choice Award of Excellence: Doreen J. St. John for“Symphony of the Wetlands” funded by Savior-Faire6Impressionist Award of Excellence: Craig Tennant OPAM for“Spring Jam” - funded by FASOand Blick Art MaterialsDonors Award of Excellence:NancyHoweOPAMfor“Oomingmak on the Rise” - fundedby Friends of OPA and Cheap Joe’sArt StuffMembers’ Choice HonorableMention:Mostafa KeyhaniOPA for “Red-backed Fairywren” - funded by Gamblin Artists ColorsThe Dorothy Driehaus MellinFellowship for Midwestern Artists: Adam Clague OPA for“Book Club” - funded by TheRichard H. Driehaus FoundationMASTER SIGNATUREDIVISIONGold Medal - Master SignatureDivision:Jan Peng WangOPAM for “Plateau Smoke” funded by OPA and Friends ofOPASilver Medal - Master SignatureDivision:Sherrie McGrawOPAM for “On the Night of theNight Fires” - funded by A m erican Art Collector MagazineBronze Medal - Master Signature Division:ChristopherZhang OPAM for “Old ManSmoking Pipe” - funded by FineArt Connoisseur MagazineThe Donors’ Award of Excellence in theMaster Signature Division was given toNancy Howe OPAM for“Oomingmak on the Rise”Realism Award of Excellence:DaudAkhrievOPAMfor“Russian Tea Party V” - funded byFASO and Blick Art MaterialsHuihan Liu OPAM won the “ShirlSmithson Founder’s Award for Master Signature Members and theMembers’ Choice Award for “PrayerFlag on the Pass”Shirl Smithson Founders’ Awardfor Master Signature Members:Huihan Liu OPAM for “PrayerFlag on the Pass” - funded by theShirl Smithson FamilyMost Original Award of Excellence: Rui Li OPAM for CalmNoon” - funded by Southwest ArtMagazineMembers’ Choice Award forMaster Signature Members: Huihan Liu OPAM for “Prayer Flagon the Pass” - funded by MichaelHarding Handmade Artists OilColoursOutstanding Composition andTechnique Award of Excellence:David Leffel OPAM for “PuebloMan with Eagle Feather” - funded by A rt of the W est MagazineMembers’ Choice HonorableMention Award for Master Signature Members: Jeffrey R. WattsOPAM for “Ruthie” - funded byGamblin Artists Colors6
JUROR OF AWARDS STATEMENTBy William Whitaker OPAMJurying a show like this is never fair. We are dealing with art, not science. Having beenon the receiving end of art show judgement calls for decades, I am certainly aware of theeffort, the feelings, hopes and dreams that go into our art and how frightening it can beto put our best effort out there for people to praise or condemn or worse, treat with indifference. I wish there were a better way to recognize quality and celebrate excellence. We all know of cases where a work has been juried out of one show only to winfirst prize in another.Over the years I’ve seen the quality of the OPA art get better and better. This time therewere so many submissions in the initial round that many very fine works were eliminated simply because there wasn’t enough room for them. The show itself had so manyfirst rate pieces exhibited on two floors that I did a lot of stair climbing before I evensettled down to try and pick winners.Having taught at university level and beyond since 1969, and having devoted my life to oil painting techniques, I fancy myself as especially open to all styles and techniques. Of course there are works that are of special interest to me as inspirationin my current efforts, but I tried very hard not to let my own stylistic preferences get in the way of my judgement. The design, concept, and compositions were universally excellent. It soon became apparent that I would have to judge the workson the visual sensitivity of the brushwork, the paint handling, the colors and values.This is the method I followed:1I made a point of not looking at the ID card. I didn’t look at the artist’s name nor the title of the work. I know manyof the artists and I didn’t want that to influence what I was seeing.2.I made an effort not to be influenced by the size of the work, whether the painting was hung high or low, whether itwas optimally lit or exhibited in a corner. I went out of my way to spend extra time with works that were modest insize or not as well lit. I spent a great deal of time on the floor looking at those that were hung low.3.I initially picked perhaps three times as many paintings as there were awards for and it was very hard to get the possible award winners down to even that many. After hours of looking at the paintings, they all became my personalfriends. They were all worthy, all professional, all outstanding. The final cull was most painful to do.4.I ended up making my final choices based on the tiniest things. If two works were equally excellent, yet one mighthave the tiniest flaw in an unimportant brushstroke, I would have to eliminate that one. Nothing was really fairabout the process yet I did my very best.Only at the end did I read the names of those I’d chosen and then look up their websites and see their body of work and readabout their experience.None of us wake up on a painting morning with the goal of turning out a mediocre work. Nor can we guarantee a masterpiece every time we paint a picture. If what we do were easy, we wouldn’t call it art. After all we can do, Art is a magicsomething that just happens. It happens when it adds up to something greater than the sum of its parts.This is a show that OPA artists can be proud of and inspired by.The Most Original Award of Excellence in theMaster Signature Division was awarded toRuo Li OPAM for “Calm Noon”Mostafa Keyhani OPA won theAnimal Award of Excellence for hispainting “Red-backed Fairywren”Daud Akhriev OPAM won the RealismAward of Excellence in the Master SignatureDivision for “Russian Tea Party V”77
The Art Renewal Center RealismAward of Excellence was given toMary Sauer for“A Little Bit of Eve
Saturday afternoon. Mueller spoke of his artistic background as well as relating insights into his vast knowledge of creating an imagina-tive work of art. Following ’s interview, a panel dis-cussion, moderated by Suzie Baker OPA, was presented. John Mi-chael Carter OPAM, Johanna Har-mon OPA, Jane Hunt,
